Research On My Client

What is 99dollarmusics.com?

99 dollar music is an institution specifically designed to allow new, upcoming artist and filmmakers that dont have much money to collaborate with each other and showcase their work. They really have to be creative and experiment with what is possible as they virtually have no budget, thus making the filmmakers/ artist to explore way in to making a fun, exciting music video that can exhibit elements that look professional.
'Strange Machines' by Redding Hunter showed some great use of camera language which almost made the narrative very interesting. The camera made the music video engaging, and although the song was slow which doesn't excite the audience, the fast paced editing of cuts (at 0:27) and the sheer number of them defiantly keeps the audience watching. 

What is their ethos?

Their main ethos is producing a music video for 99 dollars or less, but they have other policies in which they wish their artists would keep to. They pride themselves on creating music videos in which are very creative and show great innovation yet there has to be some elements of clear conventions for the specific type of genre. They also want to continuously aim to have music videos that are close to having a professional look and trying to put them on a global platform.
Aaron Kings 'You dont know what it is' would certainly fit this criteria. Their conventional use of having segments of a performance video as well as cutting to a part narrative, certainly its under 99 dollars but it looks professional as the editing effects on the colours of the music video adds more of an interesting aspect to the video. Much like 'Strange Machines' the music video is interesting to the audience we want to really see how and what they have produced, its almost as if we want to really to see if we believe the video is under 99 dollars or not. 

What types, labels and genres of music appear on their YouTube channel?

Their is a variety of music on the channel, 'Strange Machines' was very energetic and fast paced in comparison to 'You don't know what it is' which was significantly slower. As a genre it is more o an indie rock feel to it, which can be seen in 'Barbie eat a sandwich' by Care Bears on fire. Of course it is an independent record label as the budget is very small, this is because the music videos are very creative and unusual. The music videos on this channel wouldn't typically be seen from a major record label as they couldn't take the risk in losing money. Perhaps that's a good thing to 99 dollars music videos as they are so creative and unusual that the audience enjoy something so new and different compared to what the majors constantly produce. 

What is the relationship between 99dollarmusicvideos.com their film-makers and music acts?

The relationship is almost a learning curve for both filmmaker and artist/band. Both express ideas that can be done and from there it very much develops into a music video. Erik Beck a filmmaker used a Snory Cam strapping to the chest of a person with the camera pointing straight at the persons face this was used in the music video keelay, costing only $30-$40. So the relationship is very much about how they can produced a video that's both creative and professional but for the least amount of money. Both learn more about each others sector, and i think both artist/band and filmmaker become more appreciative of  what isnt possible, to how far we can make this video so unique and innovative. 

How does 99dollarmusicvideos.com encourage audience participation?

The label its self seem certainly more open and welcoming to new people reaching out and contacting them to create something. Its more the case that if you feel you've got a great idea and you are talented then contacting them and getting involved would certainly be a positive route. In terms of engaging the audience in the music videos, this is created in the uniqueness of the music video and also by the fact that the people that have produced the video are normal, average people that are just trying to do what they love and 'make it' in becoming a bigger artist or becoming a better filmmaker. thats what is the most interesting thing is how we dont look at them as big idols or extraordinary people but rather its how they are like any other person. this can be seen in 'Merp' by savior Adore the fact that she is just a normal person having fun, the audience feel like we could be that person which makes it very interesting and makes us want to watch.

Is it possible to make a professional quality music video for $99?

Yes, it is possible i think that there are many ways that can be explored to create something for 99 dollars or perhaps less. the types of camera language that was shown in 'Strange Machines' or the different editing techniques used in 'Barbie eat a sandwich' defiantly have proven that a lot can be done. i think that there has to be a certain equality between how professional the music video looks, how creative and unique it looks and the general idea behind it. i felt that when watching some of the music videos that some lacked that professionalism but did have a lot of creativity which let it down. Theres no reason why a music video cant be made for 99 dollars but there is an argument that if the conventions arent there and there is that unbalance then the audience wont watch it and it generally just doesnt seem that good.